Half Moon

The Half Moon, run by Colonial Leisure Group (purveyor of many other known Melbourne restaurants including The Botanical, The Robert Burns Hotel and Lucky Coq), retains the building's original historic facade, but now has six drinking and dining areas spanning two levels, rather like a playground for grown-ups.

To compliment the extensive wine and beer list is an solid array of food, available for lunch and dinner. The selection is much loved pub grub, made using fresh, premium, local and regional produce. The original parma is created using organic chicken, free range black pig leg ham and buffalo mozzarella; crumbed flat head fillets are served with a side of mushy peas and crinkle cut chips; and of course there's a traditional steak, consisting of char-grilled Hopkins River scotch fillet with mixed sautéed mushrooms, onion rings and Bearnaise sauce.

Situated in the heart of Brighton's Church Street area, this one's a great option for a sunny afternoon or an evening after a day at the beach.